West Norfolk rowers Parle and Rusman set the pace at Denver

Sunday saw the Denver-based West Norfolk Rowing Club hosting an invitational race with neighbouring clubs from Peterborough and Isle of Ely.

WNRC members were out in force along the Great Ouse course: launching, marshalling, timing and manning safety boats.

There was a single distance course raced over 2ooo metres and split into two morning divisions as the wind was testing. The hopes to run the 4km course in the future.

Division One included a mix of boats and abilities with many WNRC rowers competing for the first time. Some highlights of the race included Will Holden and Abi-Lou Page – considering the conditions, the J13 double crew rowed very well together, particularly as it was Will’s first race.

The fastest time was Matt Parle/Ron Rusman pairing up for the first time and clocking a very competitive 9mins 20secs. Also of note were best times for the doubles crews of Lily Fonzo/Lola O’Brien Dele and Simon Prior/Robert John. In their first race outing were Helen Pryer/Karen Wilson, who handled the conditions with great skill.

Division Two saw more seniors racing, including excellent efforts from Andy Thomas and Rob Ward who both rowed single sculls in their first races. Doubles rowing together for the first time, Mark Dawson/Phil Holden and Michelle Fincham/Kate Neale completed their race.

In June WNRC will travel to Peterborough for the first regatta event of the season.